I'm using 14g on the inside skin of my mini GF & it's made it pretty heavy. The main reason I did it was because I got it cheap but also because I figured that it would retain heat better in the CC too.
So far I have ordered some latches, wheels, stainless grab bars and bullet hinges.
Just to make my job easier I went out and purchased a milwaukee metal cutting saw with a cold cut blade. I already have a welder, various grinders, sanders and plasma.
I will be building in stages. Next week it is off to the steel supply to buy tubing and flat plate for the firebox.
Quick question - What would a Traeger Texas Pro - Bronze with a cover and shelf be worth on the used market. I have few people I know who are interested. Going to sell it to fund my project. http://www.traegergrills.com/shop/grill ... RZ#start=5
Looks at a piece of meat and wonders how many ways can I smoke that.
Hope everyone had a great 4th of July. Wife asked me what I wanted for my birthday coming up in a couple weeks. I said you know that smoker I want to build? She said go out and buy the materials. You know what hat means? I get to build it faster!
Headed out to get the materials and also buy more shielding gas.
Looks at a piece of meat and wonders how many ways can I smoke that.
I just got back and unloaded about 300 lbs of steel for now. I have enough to do the frame, firebox and inner panels. I am building it out of .063 2x2 for the frame and 14 gauge inner and outer panels. Had them shear some of the sheet to rough size so I would just have to make the shorter cuts. This will make maneuvering much easier.
Steel is more expensive in California and so far I paid $412.78 only $30.00 was the shearing fee. Still need the rest for the outer panels and the shelves. Figure roughly about another $250.00.
Already have most of the hardware - slam latch, ball valves, stainless grab bars, hinges, caster wheels.
Looks at a piece of meat and wonders how many ways can I smoke that.
Today was the start of the building of the main frame. I decided to make a few more changes adding a couple more inches in width and decreasing the depth a couple inches. This will allow me to put in two full size pans side by side or front to back. Only had time to make the font and rear frames and tomorrow I will finish boxing it out. I will post up pictures after I complete the frame.
Looks at a piece of meat and wonders how many ways can I smoke that.
Thanks for the advice all! I did fill the frame work with insulation. The frame is nearly finished, just need to add a few more cross pieces. I decided to pick up a 10lb roll of ER70S-6 .023 wire. The .035 wire I was using was blowing through some of my welds. I went back and redid some and will do a few more as I start to put the panels on.
Had to use a ratchet strap to keep the frame square prior to welding. Measured cross each corner to keep it from racking. After welding it was within 1/16" of an inch.
I thought I had some 1/2" plate for the firebox but only have 3/8", now debating if I should use it or go purchase some plate. Any thoughts?
So here is where I stopped today.
Looks at a piece of meat and wonders how many ways can I smoke that.
Thanks Frank. I figure since this will probably be my go to BBQ and will be passed down I should build it to last a long time. I went out and purchased the steel.
Stay tuned for the next installment. Hopefully this weekend I will have more pics.
Looks at a piece of meat and wonders how many ways can I smoke that.
This weekend had time to add the additional internal bracing and begin to work on the fire box assembly. I modified the plans so had to rework the dimensions slightly. Middle, Lower and Transfer Tube all assembled and added a removable grate on the bottom that can be pulled in case of a runaway fire.
Still need to make an insert for the Transfer Tube, planning on making it a friction fit so when it wears out a new one can be installed. Drill a hole for the schedule 40 2" pipe for the temperature control.
Future plans are to also add an ash dump tray.
Next fabrication day the plans are to assemble the Top Fire Box Assembly and get that installed
Here are the pics.
Middle and Lower Fire Box Assembly with Transfer Tube
Removeable Grate
Looking down at the Removeable Grate from the top of the fire box assembly
Looks at a piece of meat and wonders how many ways can I smoke that.